Are you heading to Arizona? If so you must visit the little town that has blown up in recent years. There are so many things to do in Page Arizona that you will need to plan a few days to really experience it all. From kayaking to canyon hiking and stunning vista points, there are really a ton of amazing things to do in Page, Arizona.
When I first visited page Arizona many years ago, most people we met had no idea what or where Page AZ was, much less why they should visit. In recent years however, it has become quite a hot spot for outdoor lovers. Insead of the blanks stares I once got when I recounted our road trip through Arizona and Utah, now there is much more recognition about this adorable little town in Northern Arizona.
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Where is Page Arizona?
Page Arizona is a small town (Pop. less than 8,000) sitting on the edge of Navajo Nation and Lake Powell a few miles from the border of Utah. Only a few years ago, the few travelers who have heard of it, knew it as only the place they drive through on their way to/from the Grand Canyon and/or as quick stop over point to view Horseshoe Bend. Like I mentioned above, these days the town is expanding exponentially to meet the demand for travelers using this area as a base instead of just driving through.
There is so much on offer in Page Arizona that visitors really should, no scratch that, need to give it a bit more time. This was one of our favorite stops on our road trip through some incredibly beautiful states.
Without further ado, our top things to do in Page, Arizona.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
13 Spectacular Things To Do in Page Arizona
Page Arizona is one of the best places in Arizona to explore some of the country’s most beautiful nature landscapes. From exploring on the Colorado River to hiking the expansive desert. This kid friendly destination that will also wow the adults, making it an ideal family vacation place to go in Northern Arizona.
Go Down Under at Antelope Canyon (Lower and Upper)
Going on one of the Antelope Canyon tours is the top thing to do in Page Arizona. These spectacular underground marvels on Navajo Land is what lures the visitors even for just a day trip and is a MUST do.
Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon formed by the erosion of the soft Navajo sandstone. During the rainy season, rainwater runs into the canyons picking up speed and sand, re-shaping and smoothing the narrow passageways into the curving artistic stones you see today. It is absolutely surreal to be surrounded by curving walls, made entirely by natural processes.
Antelope Canyon is divided into Lower Antelope Canyon and Upper Antelope Canyon. The main difference between the canyons is the ease of getting in/out. Upper Antelope Canyon, the most visited, is at ground level and does not require any climbing.
Lower Antelope Canyon requires a certain level of mobility as you are required to descend into the canyon on very steep stairs/ladders and move between the levels of canyons on various types of steps.
More Information About Visiting Antelope Canyon
For adventurous families, the Lower Canyon provides a great obstacle course for your little ones (age 4 and up). Both of these canyons are perfectly kid friendly things to do in Page Arizona. Our kids enjoyed the circle rock formations and running their hands and feet through the sandy floor, but they LOVED the adventure and challenge of climbing up and down steep staircases!
The canyons are very busy in the summer. If you know when you will be in town, book your tour as early as possible to ensure you get a time slot during the best light of the day. During the summer, the best time of day to book for ideal photos is between 11-2.
Don’t worry if you didn’t book in advance, there seems to always be space for small parties in the morning and afternoon tours. For the Lower Canyon, we also recommend Ken’s Tours and Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours for the Upper Canyon. Be warned, during the busy summer season, the canyons are jam packed with people, which does take away from the meditative quality of the experience, but not the awe and wonderment.
Stand on the Edge at Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is one of top things to do in Page Arizona for most visitors. If you are one of the few who know of Page because of Horseshoe Bend, you will have seen the amazing photos of this red rock scene. If you aren’t, Horseshoe Bend is exactly that, a horseshoe bend in the Colorado River. Standing high on the cliffs above the river, you get a great view of the bend…way way down below as well as the best view of the Colorado River.
See if you can spot a tent on the bank of the river or boat tours on the water – they are the size of an ant. Seriously. However, if you visit during the day you will likely see plenty of blue boats dotting the river below.
Visiting Horseshoe Bend used to be a bit scary to be honest as there were no guard rails, just a very steep drop off from a very high cliff. Of course with more crowds, that had to change and these days there is a guard rail all around the main part of the bend. Still if you want that perfect photo, you will need to stand right on the edge with your wide angle lens. Though not always recommended, visitors may still choose to take in the iconic view without the security of railing simply by walking along the canyon rim away from the main view point.
If you have children with you, make sure to keep an eye on them and make sure they stay well away from the areas with no guard rail. It really is easy to just slip as a child!
Sunset and late afternoon are the busiest times, but also the most beautiful times to take photos. The viewpoint is a short 15 minute walk up a sandy rolling hill. If you visit during the summer, expect high temperatures. There is no shade, so do plan ahead if you go during the height of summer. These days, there are about 10 port-a-potty restrooms on site if you really need to go.
Get Chilly (in 110°F) on the Colorado River
Spending a day on the chilly Colorado River is one of the most exciting things you can do in Page Arizona. Being out on the water is a true highlight and a unique way to see the Glen Canyon Dam and Horseshoe Bend. There are an abundance of water sports and tours for both Lake Powell and the Colorado River. Tours range from 1.5 hours on the lake to half day or full day rafting excursions on the Colorado River including opportunities to get out and hike to Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
A great option with kids is the half day rafting adventure which starts with a drive through a pitch black 2 mile tunnel. Here you will cruise towards Horseshoe Bend to see ancient petroglyphs, spot wildlife and stop for a break to dip your toes (feet and body if you are brave) in year round 47°F ice cold water.
Hike the Hanging Garden Trail
If you are getting restless legs from the lack of hiking, there is a pretty cool short hike that is rated as one of the best things to do in Page Arizona. Most evenings in the summer (until end of Sept) a ranger from Glen Canyon Recreation Area hosts a guided hike to the Hanging Garden. It is a short 1 mile round trip easy walk.
This short hike leads you to a lush hanging garden on the underbelly of Navajo sandstone cliffs overlooking the Colorado River and Lake Powell. The trail is lined by rocks on either side to guide you almost the entire way to the hanging garden. A small rock scramble might be required to get up close to the hanging garden depending on how you approach the cliff. This hike offers a surprising view into the astonishingly uniqueness of the desert. While walking, take your time and notice the desert around you. Check out the lizard trails, search for moqui marbles (smooth, round balls of compacted sandstone encased in a “shell” of iron compounds), snake skeletons and a variety of small wildlife.
Turn off is one quarter mile (.4km) east of Glen Canyon Bridge (the opposite side from Carl Hayden Visitor Center) on Hwy 89. Parking is available at the trailhead is off of Hwy 89. Look for a small white sign off the highway advertising the guided hike.
Visit the Powell Museum
During our first visit to Page Arizona, we missed this adorable little museum. But now that we have been, I would say this is a great introduction to the area. The museum provides detailed information on things to do in the area as well as exhibits on the history of the Colorado River including the geology and paleontology of this area.
Most people can be in and out within an hour so it isn’t a big commitment to your day. A great thing to do if you visit during the height of the daily heat. Admission to this museum is free as well, which is an added bonus.
Explore Glen Canyon Dam Overlook
One of the many skipped tourist attractions here in Page is the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Sitting atop the Glen Canyon Dam with expansive views over the dam below and interesting interactive displays inside, the Carl Hayden Visitor Center is a beautiful place to start your explorations. Spend time to explore the visitor center and speak with the staff about what options you have for getting the most out of your visit to the area.
For a hands on look at the dam that is operated here, sign up for the 45 min tours occurring several times a day. Tours are only $5 and well worth the time. You will walk across the dam wall and venture into the factory below.
If you have kids with you, don’t forget to pick up your Junior Park Ranger booklet for the opportunity to get two badges – one for Glen Canyon and one for Rainbow Bridge (even if you didn’t visit it). The Carl Hayden Visitor Center is a great mid-day activity during the sweltering summer months. In the summer months (until end of Sept), rangers are on hand at the center with fun activities for children between 2-4pm daily. Even though this isn’t always one of the top things to do in Page AZ, we highly recommend a visit to learn more about this area.
Discover Dinosaurs at Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument
Technically this is not in Page or even in Arizona. However if you or your family loves dinosaurs it is a must visit while in Page Arizona. Located about 15 miles away from Page, across the border in Utah, the Big Water Visitor Center for Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument is another great activity for the middle of the day when it’s super hot (This is also a great stop on your way to/from Zion National Park or Kanab).
The Dinosaur project at the center provides a fun outing for kids (and adults) to learn more about dinosaur fossils found in the area. Grand Staircase-Escalante does not have a Junior Ranger badge program. Instead kids can earn a Junior Scientist badge which is large, gold and according to our kids pretty awesome.
If heat is not a factor during your visit, there are a few hikes you can start from the center that lead to fossils still in the ground. Ask the rangers inside the center for more information on how to find these.
Explore Lake Powell
If you are in Page, you cannot miss exploring Lake Powell. How you do this is entirely up to you, but we highly recommend booking a day kayaking with Lake Powell Adventure Company. Their 4 hour Antelope Canyon kayak tour is an amazing experience that welcomes all skill levels. Your arms may be tired by the end of the day, but your mind will feel totally refreshed.
Even though the water levels are at their lowest levels right now, the lake is still open and operating!
Kayaking at Lake Powell is a great way to get an up close experience of this beautiful region.
Tours depart from both Wahweap Marina, which is the largest marina and home of Lake Powell Resort as well as from Antelope Point Marina.
Lake Powell is one of the largest human made reservoir in the country allowing for plenty of incredible scenery waiting to be explored. If kayaking isn’t your thing, you can also explore by speed boat or even consider staying on a houseboat to explore Lake Powell at your own pace. Regardless of what you do, getting out on the water at Lake Powell is one of the greatest things to do in Page Arizona.
While at Lake Powell, take time to visit the John Wesley Powell Museum to learn more about his voyage down the Colorado River.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
If you are a national park buff like we are, you can’t miss the opportunity to see every national park site in the vicinity. Not known to many visitors is the spectacular Rainbow Bridge National Monument. As you know, not all beautiful places are easy to get to. To reach Rainbow Bridge National Monument, you would need to hike up to 30 miles! Obviously this isn’t for everyone.
But you are in luck – there is another way to get to the monument without hiking such a long distance. You can take a boat tour! The boat tour will take much of your day, so you will need to plan this into your itinerary in advance. You will go over 50 miles to get to the base of the rainbow bridge. For most boat tours, you will get off the boat, hike around 1 mile to get right underneath to ooh and ahh. Remember if you love national parks and collect the badges to pick up your booklet before you depart.
The Wave at Coyote Buttes / Vermillion Cliffs
A few miles from Page is one of the most extraordinary places, Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Unfortunately most visitors don’t get to see this area as the main sight, the Wave, is available only by (very) limited permit. In order to see and experience this area, you must apply for a permit.
This area is so ecologically sensitive that access is strictly controlled to 64 people per day or 16 groups. Every day, 48 spots per day are given out via advance permits. You should apply 4 months in advance for the date you would like. For the remaining spots, those are given on a daily basis through a virtual lottery.
I know people who have been applying for YEARS with no luck and some who show up and get one on their first try. You just never know. If you know you will be in Page, Arizona, apply in advance for your permit. If you don’t get it in advance, you can still try the daily virtual lottery while you are there.
Sunset at Studhorse Point in Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness
For those of you interested in Vermillion Cliffs, but were unable to get a permit, you can still visit this vast wilderness area for one of the coolest little areas known as Studhorse Point.
The hoodos of Studhorse point are easily accessible even though they sit a bit below the rim of the cliff. To get here, you will need to go on an adventure. If there has been rain recently, check in with the visitor center at Glen Canyon Dam for more information on the road quality. The turn off is 0.7 miles east of Greenehaven Drive off Highway 89. Follow the map closely as there are many small roads in the area. If you make it (or have been), let me know how it is.
Waterhole Canyon – Page’s Hidden Gem
One of our recent finds during a return visit turned out to be one of the best things to do in Page Arizona if you want to escape the crowds, support local businesses and see spectacular beauty. Waterhole Canyon is well off the beaten path, which means you will have time to get some beautiful photos of a gorgeous slot canyon.
As is true with Antelope Canyon, Waterhole also has a mandatory tour guide policy. However since it’s not as well known as Antelope Canyon, you should have no trouble getting a reservation, or finding the time to spend in this beautiful place.
This slot canyon is great because you get the best of both worlds – open, shallow canyon scenes as well as the more quintessential slot canyon with narrow walls reaching high up into the sky.
Where to Stay in Page Arizona
When I first visited Page, Arizona, there weren’t a ton of places to stay, however as the town has become a fixture on the Arizona road trip map, there are more places to stay.
During our visit, we booked an amazing house with a pool (see photo above) to keep cool during the hot summer days. Unfortunately it no longer is available, but there are a ton of great options around Page that you can find in the box below.
Plug in your dates in the widget below to see what all is available – hotels, homes and more.
Whatever you choose, take the time to explore this beautiful corner of Arizona.
Want to check all of this out, but don’t have much time? Check out this amazing 3 day tour that takes in Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
WHAT TIME IS IT IN ARIZONA?
With Page, Arizona only a few miles away from the border of Utah and sitting so close to Navajo Nation, your phone (nor you) will ever have any idea what time it really is! Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings time, however both Utah and Navajo Nation do, which can make it very confusing when your mobile phone bounces between satellites.
Where to Eat in Page, Arizona
Whether you are just passing through or spending some time in Page Arizona, you will need to nourish your belly with some amazing food. Below are some of our top picks on where to eat while you are in town.
Big John’s Texas BBQ
If you know me, you know I am from Texas and can never resist some home flavours. Big John’s Texas BBQ offers up authentic Texas sized portions and Texas sized tastes. From its beginnings as a pop up tent to a trailer, they now have their very own brick and mortar shop. If you are new to Texas BBQ, check out the brisket. It’s not something we often find in Southern California. Boulevard in Page, Arizona.
Ranch House Grill
A local staple for breakfast and lunch, Ranch House Grill will fill your belly with all the goodness of the Southwest. Family owned, located downtown, Ranch House serves comfort food with locally sourced ingredients when possible. A great place to pop in when you need something easy.
Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant
Again, if you know me, you know that I *must* have my Tex-Mex whenever I go anywhere! On the perpetual hunt for queso and great cheesy enchiladas, we found our way to Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant. For a Tex-Mex starved Southern California resident, this hit the spot. Try the fajitas as well – the kids loved them!
Other Things to do NEAR Page, AZ
As I mentioned at the start of this post, many people visit Page on their way to or from the Grand Canyon. This isn’t the only amazing place to visit in Arizona or even nearby Utah. Below are some of our other favorite places to visit and things to do that you might want to check out.
Toadstools Trail
One of the things left on our to do list of things to do in Page Arizona is a visit to the Toadstools trail. This is technically in Utah, but is only 30 minutes away from Page and somewhat on the way to Zion if that is your next destination. The trail is only about 1.8 miles long, but it takes you through a fascinating landscape where the rocks have formed in different layers across thousands of years. The toadstools (hoodoos) have formed as the softer rock below eroded more quickly than the harder rock above.
Below are more places you might want to explore while in the area.
Things not to Miss at the Grand Canyon
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Zion National Park
Things to Do Near Zion National Park
12 Amazing State Parks From Las Vegas
If you are headed to Page, let us know what the top things to do where during your visit! What did you love the most!
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Arizona is so unique! I want to visit all these places one day, especially the Antelope Canyon and Grand Canyon!
We recently did a road trip through Arizona and Utah and spent a day in Page. We rented a pontoon boat on Lake Powell for the morning and did Antelope Canyon (with the ever entertaining Leonard as our guide) with Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours. We were so disappointed that Into the Grand’s show didn’t start until 7pm so we missed it – and the navajo fry bread. Next time though. Beautiful country and we so enjoyed Page.
I know I also wished the show started a bit earlier! Better for families. Did you guys drive your own pontoon boat? I think our ‘raft’ was considered a pontoon. Such a beautiful part of the country for sure.
Page, Horseshoe and Antelope are on the very top of our Arizona to-do list, and we can’t wait to go this Fall (hopefully!) – the little one still enjoys being carried around in the Ergo, thankfully, otherwise heck yea we would keep him safely away. Yikes! Pinning this for later, thanks!
That is such a great area of Arizona! Vermillion Cliffs are indeed stunning and Antelope Canyon is so unique – even with all of the tourism now. My favorite is camping and boating on Lake Powell, which will take your breath away with its sheer cliffs and formations. Great post, guys!
Arizona is such a unique place that appears to be a photographers paradise.
How incredible to have so many amazing things to experience in one place!
Thanks for joining in #wednesdaywanderlust this week
I am one of those people you mentioned… I have NEVER heard of page. But, Antelope Canyon looks amazing. As did many other things you mentioned on your list. We have visit Phoenix, Tempe and are in Tucson currently visiting Tanque Verde Ranch. We are planning to do a Grand Canyon Trip too so maybe we can squeeze page in and visit for a few days. Thanks for sharing!!
Arizona is such a beautiful place! Hope we’ll get the chance to visit soon 🙂
I love Arizona especially in fall and early spring. That pool looks grandiose. Dinner and show at Into the Grand sounds very interesting. I’ll check it out next time I’ll visit.
You would not get blank stares from me when talking about Page. I have never been to the area but it is part of one of those road trips I want to do some day. Thanks for the recommendations. There are a lot of things here I didn’t know about.
I keep reading about how amazing Arizona is, and I really want to go there! So many incredible natural places. You’ve inspired me to want to go! 🙂
I’ve always wanted to go to Antelope Canyon! It doesn’t seem to have a bad photo. Now I see there’s a lot more to Arizona. Thanks for the info.
hi there,
i would like to do this trip on my own, by my self.. unlike anybody else :)) i will hit the road from los angeles just like you, and plan to stay at Kingman for the night, and continue to GC the next day. so i was wondering, where would you suggest for me to stay? Grand Canyon village or Page? Because i have plenty of time and want to spend some time around Grand Canyon and Page.
Definitely stay in Grand Canyon village if you can and then head to page afterwards for a few days. It’s a few hours between the two places so best if you can do them separately.
Would love to visit Antelope Canyon, don’t know if my poor knees could handle all the climbing but that’s why they make Advil. Great photos btw.
Please update your info about Big Water Visitor Center, maybe call and ask before you mislead visitors.
Thanks for the comment Rich. Do you have any specific information to share? I called and the center is still open providing the services I mentioned here.
Nice and informative post, thank you such a nice sharing.
Can you please clarify ages. What can I do with a 2 yo? I see most booking pages say 2-11 but the fine print then says must be 4yo. I researched briefly before booking to visit the area, but now everything is locked in, I am finding that I cannot do any tours because of my nearly 3 yo. Would appreciate any tips. Thanks